FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Rick Clayburgh, Tax Commissioner 701-328-2770
Wednesday, April 12, 2005	Jill Weigel, Supervisor, Individual Income Tax Section, 701-328-3277

Tax Department Extends Hours on April 15

BISMARCK --- With the April 15 income tax filing deadline just around the corner, Tax Commissioner Rick Clayburgh announced that the North Dakota Tax Department will be open on Friday, April 15, until 9:00 p.m. CDT to help North Dakotans prepare their state tax returns.

“We offer last minute help and extend our hours during this busy time because we want to make things as convenient as possible for people who may have delayed filing their taxes,” said Clayburgh.

The Tax Department’s 16th floor office of the Capitol will remain open until 9:00 p.m. on April 15 to help taxpayers complete their state tax returns. Taxpayers who arrive at the Capitol after 5:00 p.m. need to use the north doors. Tax filers will need to bring a copy of their federal tax return, W-2s, and 1099s with them in order to complete the state tax return. Taxpayers may call 701-328-3450, or toll-free 800-638-2901, for confidential help with their state tax return.

“The Tax Department has been encouraging taxpayers to e-file because e-filed returns are more accurate than paper returns,” said Clayburgh. “And, taxpayers who e-file and use Direct Deposit receive their state refunds faster, often within five days. Those taxpayers who owe taxes may e-file and pay by credit card over the Internet.”

Taxpayers do not need to apply for a separate state filing extension if they have a federal extension. Taxpayers need to file their federal extensions before April 15.

Clayburgh said, “Taxpayers simply need to mark the extension block in the upper right-corner of the state return and attach a copy of the IRS Form 4868 to receive an extension.”

Clayburgh encourages taxpayers to double-check their name, mailing address and social security numbers whether filing electronically or on paper. Other last minute filing tips:

When filing electronically, taxpayers are reminded:

1. Make sure the software or on-line service can transmit both the federal form and the North Dakota return.
2. Make sure the address and social security numbers on the return are correct.
3. Don’t mail in a paper return if filing electronically.

When filing paper returns:

1. Make sure to sign the return.
2. Make sure the copies of the federal return, supporting schedules, and W-2s are attached and readable.
3. Use the correct postage.

Clayburgh also suggests taxpayers visit the Tax Department’s website at www.nd.gov/tax/ for more tax information or to access North Dakota’s tax forms.